Research source

I am still near, Watching the smiles I prized on earth, Your converse mild, your blameless mirth.[64

Date of account: Late nineteenth-century compilation
Source: The Ghost World
Reference: The Ghost World · selected passage 101
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

In days gone by, it would seem, numerous formalities were observed by the person whose object was to 'constrain' some spirit to appear before him

Published source text

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Source passage

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In days gone by, it would seem, numerous formalities were observed by the person whose object was to 'constrain' some spirit to appear before him. It was necessary to fix upon a spot proper for such a purpose, 'which had to be either in a subterranean vault hung round with black, and lighted by a magical torch, or else in the centre of some thick wood or desert, or upon some extensive unfrequented plain, where several roads met, or amidst the ruins of ancient castles, abbeys, monasteries, &c., or amongst the rocks on the sea-shore, in some private detached churchyard, or any other solemn melancholy place, between the hours of twelve and one in the morning, either when the moon shone very bright, or else when the elements were disturbed with storms of thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, for in these places, times, and seasons it was contended that spirits could with less difficulty manifest themselves to mortal eyes, and continue visible with the least pain in this elemental external world.'[165] Great importance was attached to the magic circle in the invocation of spirits, the mode of procedure being thus: 'A piece of ground was usually chosen, nine feet square, at the full extent of which parallel lines were drawn, one within th

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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